Windstar Cruises
Discover the world in small-ship style with Windstar Cruises - where personalised service, immersive experiences, and unique ports create an unforgettable voyage.
Experience the World, the Windstar Way
Windstar Cruises offers a completely different kind of cruise holiday - intimate, immersive, and refreshingly relaxed. With a fleet of stylish yachts and classic sailing ships carrying fewer than 350 guests, Windstar takes you closer to the heart of each destination. You’ll visit smaller ports the big ships can’t reach, enjoy open-bridge access with the captain, and dine on locally inspired cuisine curated by the James Beard Foundation. Whether you're gliding into a hidden Mediterranean cove or sailing under the stars in the South Pacific, it’s all about feeling connected to the places you visit and the people around you. At Southampton Cruise Centre, we've seen first-hand how much our guests love Windstar’s personal service and laid-back luxury. It’s not just a cruise - it’s a journey designed around you.
Why Book a Windstar Cruise?
Small Ship Experience
With fewer than 350 guests onboard, enjoy a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere, personalised service, and easy access to everything onboard - no queues, just comfort and calm.
Star Breeze Ship
Iconic Sailing Yachts
Step aboard Windstar’s classic sailing yachts, where billowing white sails and open decks create a romantic and authentic way to cruise some of the world’s most scenic coastlines.
Star Breeze & Star Spirit in Tahiti
Immersive Itineraries
Sail into smaller ports and hidden harbours that larger ships simply can’t reach, giving you closer access to local culture, cuisine, and less-travelled destinations.
Rome Excursion
James Beard Dining
Dine on regionally inspired dishes crafted in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, with menus reflecting the fresh, authentic flavours of each destination.
Dining out on deck
Watersports Platform
When anchored, enjoy direct access to the sea from the ship’s Watersports Platform – go kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling or swimming, all complimentary and weather-permitting.
Paddleboarding off the watersports platform
Genuinely Personal Service
With nearly one crew member for every guest, Windstar’s staff offer attentive, friendly service that feels like sailing with old friends – they’ll even remember your favourite drink.
Waiter making cocktails
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team are available to answer any questions you have about Windstar Cruises. Please find a selection of our most popular below.
When you book a Windstar cruise, several key inclusions are already covered in the standard fare. These include all meals onboard across multiple dining venues, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and bottled water, plus complimentary use of the Watersports Platform when the ship is anchored in suitable conditions. You’ll also receive a welcome bottle of Champagne in your stateroom, enrichment talks, and destination briefings. Port charges, taxes, and fees are included too. Every stateroom and suite offers ocean views, so you’ll never miss the scenery.
Windstar Cruises offers both a standard fare and an optional All-Inclusive Fare. The standard fare includes meals, non-alcoholic drinks, port taxes, and more. However, if you prefer a more seamless experience, the All-Inclusive Fare adds unlimited Wi-Fi, all alcoholic beverages including wine, beer, and cocktails, plus fully prepaid gratuities. This upgrade is ideal for those who like to have everything wrapped into one upfront price, with no surprises at sea.
Windstar Cruises operates a unique fleet of six small ships, including three elegant sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts. The sailing ships – Wind Star, Wind Spirit, and Wind Surf - offer a traditional sailing experience with modern comfort, while Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride are motor yachts with all-suite accommodation. Each ship carries fewer than 350 guests, creating a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere onboard. These small ships are able to access hidden harbours and lesser-known ports that larger ships simply can’t reach.
Windstar Cruises sails to over 300 destinations worldwide, with a strong focus on immersive travel and authentic experiences. Popular regions include the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Caribbean, Central America, Tahiti, Asia, the South Pacific, and Alaska. Thanks to their small size, Windstar ships can dock in lesser-known ports and secluded harbours that larger ships cannot reach. This allows for deeper cultural discovery, less crowded excursions, and a more local feel throughout your journey.
The dress code on Windstar Cruises is best described as casual elegance. There are no formal nights, tuxedos, or ball gowns required. During the day, guests typically wear relaxed holiday attire such as shorts, sundresses, T-shirts, and swimwear around the pool. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes slightly more refined, with most guests opting for resort-casual clothing - think smart trousers, collared shirts, dresses, or blouses. Jeans are welcome in the dining venues if they’re in good condition, but beachwear and flip-flops are not permitted at dinner. This laid-back approach makes Windstar ideal for travellers who prefer stylish comfort without the fuss of formal dress codes.
Gratuities are not included in Windstar’s standard cruise fare. Guests are typically charged a daily gratuity of $16.00 USD per person, which is added to your onboard account. However, if you choose Windstar’s All-Inclusive Fare, gratuities are included along with unlimited Wi-Fi and alcoholic beverages.
